Slow burn to rural romance: Sarah and Joel's Lake Moodemere Estate wedding

Sarah and Joel’s Lake Moodemere Estate wedding celebration began with an entrance to remember. The bride arrived in her groom’s shiny red tractor, driven by her now father-in-law.

After meeting in year six, Sarah and Joel’s friendship blossomed into romance a few years after high school. When it came time, their proposal had three vital participants: the happy couple… plus their adorable dog, Archer, who had the ring attached to his collar. Don’t worry; Archer featured heavily on the big day as well!

For Sarah and Joel, choosing a venue for their wedding celebration was an easy decision. “We wanted to celebrate outside at a beautiful venue, with good food, wine and music,” explains Sarah. “Lake Moodemere Estate has been in Joel’s family for generations and is one of the most spectacular venues to exist. Much of our relationship grew and took place at the venue, so officiating it there was only fitting.”

For her wedding day, Sarah wore a romantic gown with delicate beading detail, paired with an elegant low bun and fine jewellery. The ceremony took place on the front lawn at Lake Moodemere Estate, under a beautiful pine tree overlooking the lake. The tree symbolised so much more than a picturesque spot to wed; Joel’s great-grandfather planted it with a seed he brought back from World War Two.

After the ceremony, the guests were kept occupied by lawn games, a grazing station and roaming canapés. Meanwhile, Sarah and Joel were photographed with their wedding party members. The grapevines, farming equipment and rolling landscapes acted as the ideal backdrop for the happy couple and their loved ones.

A rope and pole marquee adorned with festoon lighting set the scene for a spirited reception. Round tables were dressed with white cloths and rust napkins, finished with neutral candles. Vases of flowers in loose and whimsical arrangements were placed in the centre of each table. Space for the band and dancefloor was perfectly positioned within the space, awaiting night’s festivities.

Dinner, speeches, and a lot of dancing ensued. “We hired the three-piece band from Craig Francis Music,” says Sarah of their wedding day entertainment. “On the night, the trio did a fabulous job of playing hit after hit and kept energy levels high right until the very end.”

It was essential that the venue to be beautiful and meaningful. Of course, Lake Moodemere Estate fit the bill perfectly. Lake Moodemere Estate also catered our delicious wedding feast — the food was one of the most memorable parts of the night.